As the Dota Pro Circuit of North America reached its halfway point, let’s take a look at how things stand and which teams are doing well.
If you are looking for a region full of outspoken players who are not afraid to step on anyone’s toes, don’t look further. While North America is generally seen as one of the weaker regions skill-wise, their players’ confidence in themselves more than makes up for it. Confidence however won’t get you a spot in a Major, not even mentioning The International. So let’s see who of these outspoken teams can claim a top position, and who has to swallow their words after sitting at the bottom of the bracket.
The Kings of North America
The world is a place of great instability where nothing is certain, except for one thing. Evil Geniuses is the strongest team in North America. So it’s no surprise to see that currently they are undefeated and firmly on top. Having already beaten PPD’s SADBOYS and Dubu’s Undying, two of their the firmest competitors have already been taken care of. With the raw skill of Arteezy and Abed, guided by Fly’s incredible leadership, EG seems to be on track to be North America’s top representative once again. Any great king breeds competitors plotting to take their place however, and in this case they are called Quincy Crew.
Big competitors
Nobody doubts the huge potential players like MSS, SVG and Yawar possess. While it has taken them many years to get there, they seem to be ever so close to reach the North American Summit. Recently even reaching a top 8 placement while playing as VGJ.Storm during TI8. Having yet to face big bro EG in this DPC season, they also haven’t dropped a series. With the addition of some spicy new players like Lelis and Quinn they might have finally found their secret formula. So keep tight for when the Kings of EG face off against Quincy Crew, to see who can claim the throne.
Veterans of the game
Any region has a good supply of veterans trying to reclaim their former glory. Something North America is quite familiar with as well. While PPD’s SADBOYS have even reclaimed the legendary name that started their rise back in 2014. Dubu’s Undying uses its name to show off their incredible resilience in times of trouble. Both of these teams however seem to be lacking just that little edge necessary to reach the top. They have the experience to rise above those below them, but are lacking the spice to compete for the top positions. EG has already highlighted this.
In a direct conflict with these teams, Evil Geniuses are still on top, having taken a series against them both already, and no legendary names like SADBOYS, PPD and Fear will challenge their power. Neither will Dubu’s korean dedication be able to direct Saberlight’s Czech creativity into something able to slay the kings of North America. For now it seems like these old veterans have to bow down, silently preparing another attack, in another season.
Pocket of talent
Looking at the bottom four teams of North America’s bracket we can see a oh-so familiar North American pattern. Being a region without a deep pocket of talent to supply it’s best teams. The little pool talent that does exist, tends to swirl through revolving doors of different teams, with different combinations of the same players. With every so often some foreign talent being imported to fill up the gaps.
These teams however never seem able to have either the leadership or raw talent to challenge those above them. This year it’s 4 Zoomers, Black N Yellow, A-Team and 5ManMidas that have fought their way through the North American trenches. However none of them have been able to beat anyone but themselves. Leaving only one question, who can muster enough strength to win against their fellow bottom dwellers. Who can scrape by enough points to secure their stay in North America’s upper DPC division.
The salt of North America
Sodium, atomic number 11, is a chemical component of salt. Dota 2 legend says that its name, Na, is in honor of Dota 2’s saltiest region, North America. So while on the surface it might not seem like it is that interesting of a region, with its lower skill level and big differences between the skill level of the teams. The sheer entertainment factor North American Dota 2 brings along through it’s outspoken players certainly makes everything a lot more fun. Not to forget the upcoming grudge match between Evil Geniuses and Quincy Crew.
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